̷ ̷ˈtāshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin saltation-, saltatio, from saltatus + -ion-, -io -ion
1.
a. : the action of leaping or jumping
ordained for saltation , their hinder legs do far exceed the other — Sir Thomas Browne
b. : dancing
continued his saltation without … intermission — Sir Walter Scott
2. obsolete : a flow in spurts — used of arterial blood
3.
a. : an advance by leaps rather than by continuous gradations : a sudden or abrupt change ; specifically : the reputed direct transformation of one form into another in the course of evolution : discontinuous variation , macroevolution
b. : the production of saltants
c. : saltant
4. : the transportation of particles by currents of water or air in such a manner that they move along in a series of short intermittent leaps — compare traction transport
Synonyms: see jump